First Google Plus API released to developers

Coders can now get their hands on a single Google+ API (application programming interface).

Over time, Google will be opening up more of its platform to developers, presumably in a similar fashion to Facebook's API – which allows third parties to build apps for the network.

"Google+ gives users full control over their information, supporting everything from intimate conversations with family to public showcases and debates," said Google. "This initial API release is focused on public data only — it lets you read information that people have shared publicly on Google+."

Eventually, coders will be able to squirrel their way into other parts of the Google+ estate.

By cracking open the first API for coders, Google will be hoping to extend the influence of Google+ beyond the walls of that network.

The Facebook developer platform is a model example of how to scatter a Web2.0 product across the interwebs, so it's unsurprising to see Google+, which is still in a rather big test-field mode with around 30 million people said to be plugging in, going down the same route.

Google mentioned the ability for coders to include rich sharing, identity, and conversations in their apps, so presumably APIs for those methods will be added soon.